Working magic from an airship never sounded more fun, realistic and possible, thanks to Gypsey Elaine Teague's book Steampunk Magic. In her beginner's style book, Teague begins with a description of what steampunk is, a brief history of steampunk, as well as descriptions of historical figures who are important to the steampunk movement. Teague writes in a fun but factual sense, stating that this way is the way her airship works, but allows that their way is not the only way to go, which is always nice to see in books on various magical practices. Perhaps my favorite thing about this book is that she very clearly describes many inexpensive crafting ways to make many of the tools that are used in steampunk magic.
Teague organizes her book in a clear way, with logical progression from what is steampunk to the various positions people have on an airship (such as purser, for the one who deals with the money, to artificer for the one who hands crafting, and so forth) and she even includes various spells, rituals and circles. At the end of the book she includes resources as well as an index, which is quite nice.
In the end, though I am personally in no way steampunk, I am glad to have read this book because it has given me a very different viewpoint on many of the basic aspects of working magic. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is steampunk in their lifestyle and also a magic practitioner. I also highly recommend it for experienced magic practitioners who want a different view on magic practices. Highly, highly recommended!!
~review by Jessica Elizabeth
Author: Gypsey Elaine Teague
Weiser Books, 2013
pp. 213, $16.95
